July is 'Ocean Month' – Take Action to Reduce Waste: Japan Trim Achieves 5 Million Recycled Water Filter Cartridges

Japan Trim Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Osaka City; President and CEO: Norio Tahara; hereinafter "Japan Trim"), which holds the No.1 market share in home water ionizer sales value※1, has achieved a cumulative total of 5 million recycled used water filter cartridges as of June 2026 through its recycling program initiated in 2010.

As part of its environmental conservation activities, Japan Trim conducts recycling of used water filter cartridges removed from its water ionizers. Since January 2010—preceding the SDGs initiative—the company has offered free collection and recycling of used cartridges that were previously disposed of as household waste. This cartridge recycling program is one of Japan Trim’s materiality initiatives focused on “Environment,” carried out jointly with customers to reduce CO2 emissions and promote efficient resource utilization.

※1 Based on manufacturer shipment value for 2023 fiscal year household water ionizer market in Japan, total series product value for same device body.

Survey by Yano Research Institute Ltd., as of June 2025 (This survey result is an estimate based on qualitative research and analysis methods.)

About Water Filter Cartridges

Water ionizers and purifiers contain cartridges designed to remove impurities. While common filter materials include activated carbon, hollow fiber membranes, and ceramics, Japan Trim’s Micro Carbon Cartridge uses environmentally conscious coconut shell activated carbon. As cartridges are used over time, their filtration capacity gradually declines. For this reason, and for hygiene purposes, regular replacement is necessary. Replacement intervals vary by product and capacity, but Japan Trim’s cartridges have a maximum replacement guideline of one year.

Japan Trim has now achieved a cumulative total of 5 million recycled used cartridges returned by customers. Stacked vertically, this would exceed the height of 100 Mount Everests※2.

Japan Trim Cartridge

※2 Calculated using the shortest cartridge, the "CMα Cartridge" (approx. 18 cm), and Mount Everest’s elevation of 8,849 m.

Transformation into New Resources

Used water filter cartridges are not reused as cartridges, but reborn as new resources. The activated carbon in the filter is processed with non-woven fabric and other materials to become solid fuel. The outer plastic casing is transformed into ABS resin, a highly versatile plastic material. Additionally, the cartridge boxes are recycled into recycled paper.

Recycling Process for Used Water Filter Cartridges

1. Collection of Water Filter Cartridges

Customers who have purchased water filter cartridges are provided with a return kit to send back their used cartridges.

2. Transport to Recycling Facility

Collected cartridges are first transported to a recycling facility in Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture. Approximately 6,000 cartridges arrive each week. (Some returns include thank-you notes or messages from children.)

Collected Cartridges

3. Disassembly One by One

Each cartridge is disassembled using specialized machinery into its plastic casing and internal filter.

4. Drying by Removing Moisture

Since moisture remains in the filter, centrifuges are used to remove water. To ensure complete drying, the materials are then stored in dedicated drying units for 2–3 days.

Japan Trim believes that advancing business with consideration for the global environment is essential to achieving a sustainable society. While striving to reduce environmental impacts from its operations, the company actively develops products and technologies that contribute to solving environmental challenges. Going forward, as a company handling “water”—the source of life—Japan Trim will continue advancing its SDG initiatives, including the recycling of water filter cartridges.

July is Ocean Month

July is designated as “Ocean Month,” a period centered around “Marine Day” to raise awareness about oceans and water. As a company handling “water,” the source of life, Japan Trim promotes lifestyles that reduce plastic bottle waste and CO2 emissions through the use of home water ionizers for daily drinking water. In addition to collecting, sorting, and recycling used cartridges, the company also adopts eco-conscious materials and works to visualize environmental impacts through product carbon footprint assessments.

About Japan Trim

Japan Trim Co., Ltd. was founded in 1982 by current Chairman Shinsho Morisawa, focusing on the manufacturing and sales of electrolyzed hydrogen water ionizers, classified as medical devices. Pioneering the functional properties of water, the company has pursued over 30 years of joint industry-academia-government research to explore the health-supporting functions and benefits of its Health-Supporting Water® and electrolyzed hydrogen water.

Today, applications of electrolyzed hydrogen water extend beyond drinking, including next-generation novel therapies in hemodialysis and crop cultivation. Additionally, through its group company Stem Cell Research Institute, Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market: 7096), Japan Trim Group operates Japan’s largest private cord blood bank, aiming to become a global medical company.

Company Name / Japan Trim Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market: 6788)

□ Date of Establishment: June 12, 1982 (Showa 57)

□ President and CEO: Norio Tahara

□ Capital: 992,597,306 JPY

□ Number of Employees: 777 (as of March 31, 2026, including affiliated companies)

□ Corporate Website: https://www.nihon-trim.co.jp/